ciceros

Welcome to Radar Blips, where I quickly highlight three shows that catch my eye. Go see a show and if you got a three-day weekend because of the MLK holiday, I’m super jealous.

1. Pomegranates w/Volcanoes | Wed 1/18 | The Firebird

Soak in the indie-rock of the Cincinnati band, bringing in the local duo Volcanoes to kick things off.

2. Jack’s Mannequin | Thur. 1/19 | The Pageant

I admit that after seeing JM twice in a week over the summer between Warped and Kanrocksas, I was a little burnt out. But now that I’ve had some time to spend with the new album, People and Things, I’m pumped again to see (and shoot) Mr. McMahon.

And… a trio of local shows on Friday!

Dots Not Feathers, Via Dove, Palace | Fri. 1/20 | Off Broadway

Killer lineup and the sweet sweet tunes of DNF.

Superhero Killer | Fri. 1/20 | Cicero’s

The local soul crew and the Loud Label invite you out party it up as they release their debut EP.

FarFetched release party | Fri. 1/20 | 2720 Cherokee

Celebrate the compilation release of the new FarFetched art/music imprint with performances by Adult Fur, 18andCounting and a whole lot more.

Even though I spend most concerts just a few feet away from bands, I still get a little starstruck when near them off-stage. Ok…I do get starstruck. But for good reason, with Kathryn Calder (New Pornographers) coming through Cicero’s with Himalayan Bear providing the opening set and musical support.

Welcome to Radar Blips, where I quickly highlight three shows that catch my eye. Go see a show and hook me up with your Thanksgiving leftovers.

Deas Vail | Wed. 11/30 | Cicero’s

The Russellville indie popsters just put out a new album back in October and Cicero’s will be a great place to hear them perform the new tracks live. RIYL Mae and Copeland.

Born Ruffians w/US English | Thurs. 12/1 | The Gargoyle

The Gargoyle PR crew seems awfully quiet this semester, so don’t forget to mark your calendar for the arrival of this Canadian indie rock band. US English (James & Brea from the Luminary Arts) opens and I’ve been dying to see them too.

Trout Fishing in America | Sat. 12/3 | Off Broadway

I remember seeing them in high school and it’s a hard name to forget. Bring the kids along for a special afternoon show from the folksters.

Doomtree’s set this past summer at Kanrocksas was a personal favorite at the festival, so when Cicero’s opened their doors this past weekend for the Good Time Zoo Tour (f. emcees Sims and Cecil Otter, producers Lazerbeak and Paper Tiger) I made sure to drop by and check out the show.

In deciding which shows to shoot on a given week, it sometimes just defaults to trying to grab the biggest name or biggest venue. But sometimes the gems are discovered at the smaller shows, the ones in which your attendance which can later be redeemed for bragging rights when that band explodes to make a bigger name for themselves. Judging by the response from the crowd at Cicero’s, Givers inaugural stop in St. Louis might turn out to be one of those gems.